Well, this morning’s event is all over and it was a VERY special day for a group of youngsters in southern Illinois. The Don Gasaway Junior Goose Calling Contest is in its third year and is sponsored, by you guessed it, Don Gasaway! He is an outdoor writer who now lives in southern Illinois and is one Heck of a guy. He believes so strongly in raising children the best a parent can but also in this event in southern Illinois. He has put his own money and efforts behind this and should be commended! This was for 15 years of age and under.

Anyway, this year turned out extra special for the kids as everyone walked out with not only their pride and sense of personal accomplishment but ALL received something donated by the other good people who come to this event – the sponsors. When Don arrived this morning, he discovered a shotgun, shells, decoys, calls, camo hunting gear and the like that sponsors and supporters of the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days donated without any strings attached.

Now that is something!

Anyway, the contest is over and I believe all of them hailed from Illinois. They are:

What was also extra special for these kids and a complete surprise to Don was the donation of an engraved commemorative shotgun and a pair or engraved goose calls by Tim Grounds that went to 1st Place Blake Moore! Now, that is one extra happy kid this morning!!!